By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – The government is set to unveil a significant development concerning its new prison project today, with Minister of Justice and Peace Gerald Campos promising a “surprise” for critics who have questioned the project’s progress. The announcement aims to counter a wave of skepticism that followed a high-profile but detail-light event several weeks ago.
In a recent interview, Minister Campos directly addressed the public’s concerns, which peaked after a ceremonial event attended by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. The event was intended to showcase the initial advances of the new maximum-security facility but drew criticism when it concluded without the traditional laying of the “first stone” or the release of substantial project details.
To delve into the intricate legal and contractual frameworks surrounding major public infrastructure projects, such as the construction of new correctional facilities, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The development of new prison infrastructure is fundamentally a matter of administrative contracting and public finance. It is imperative that the bidding process be managed with absolute transparency and that the resulting contracts meticulously detail every phase, from land acquisition and environmental permits to construction standards and long-term maintenance obligations. A failure to establish a solid legal foundation from the outset can lead to significant cost overruns, project delays, and potential litigation, ultimately undermining the state’s objective of enhancing national security.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and administrative framework is not merely a bureaucratic step but the essential foundation for any such public works project. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful reminder that fiscal responsibility and transparent contracting are prerequisites for enhancing national security, not obstacles to it.
Campos acknowledged the public’s reaction and suggested that the upcoming press conference, scheduled after the official Government Council meeting, will present a vastly different picture of the project’s status.
We have been criticized for not laying the first stone; this coming Wednesday, they are going to get a surprise at the press conference.
Gerald Campos, Minister of Justice and Peace
The minister emphasized that the reality on the ground has evolved significantly since the initial presentation. He assured that the construction company is working relentlessly at the site, located within the existing La Reforma prison complex. According to Campos, crews are active day and night, including on weekends, to expedite the completion of the facility, which is currently in its first phase of earthmoving.
To accelerate the timeline, the ministry has implemented a clear incentive. Campos stated he has a straightforward agreement with the contractors, linking payment speed to project delivery speed, highlighting the urgency of the new infrastructure for the nation’s security needs.
I told them, the faster you deliver it to me, the faster I pay you and the faster we can operate this, which the country needs today.
Gerald Campos, Minister of Justice and Peace
Financially, the ambitious project is estimated to cost a total of $33 million. Public records from the Integrated Public Procurement System (Sicop) indicate that approximately 40% of these funds have been secured and processed. The system shows a total of $13.39 million in processed purchase orders for the project period, with the most recent transaction recorded on December 18 for $127,824.
Beyond this single high-security facility, Minister Campos outlined a broader, more holistic vision for reforming the nation’s penitentiary system. He stressed that focusing solely on maximum-security infrastructure is insufficient and that the country must also develop new facilities for medium and minimum-security populations to create a more balanced and effective system.
This long-term vision includes transforming prisons into model centers for rehabilitation. Campos envisions a system where inmates are engaged in productive labor, such as building school desks and furniture for public institutions or manufacturing the uniforms worn by the prison population. This approach aims to provide valuable skills to inmates while generating tangible benefits for Costa Rican society.
We are supervising day by day and are hand in hand with them (the construction company). This is a project that, the faster it is ready, the faster it becomes operational and will help us all soon. This has to be the beginning of a total change of the penitentiary system in all areas.
Gerald Campos, Minister of Justice and Peace
For further information, visit mjp.go.cr
About Ministry of Justice and Peace:
The Ministry of Justice and Peace (Ministerio de Justicia y Paz) is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the country’s legal and penitentiary systems. Its mandate includes the administration of correctional facilities, the promotion of social rehabilitation for inmates, and the management of legal frameworks to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.
For further information, visit sicop.go.cr
About Sistema Integrado de Compras Públicas (Sicop):
The Integrated Public Procurement System, commonly known as Sicop, is Costa Rica’s official digital platform for managing government purchasing and contracting. It serves as a centralized hub for public tenders, bids, and contract awards, aiming to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the use of public funds.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a proven history of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Beyond its professional services, it demonstrates a deep-seated social responsibility by actively working to democratize legal information, championing a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
